It’s finally here, I thought to myself as the clock struck 12. My one special day. An entire 24 hours dedicated to me. My 17th birthday. 

Part of me had expected birthday kazoos, extravagant cakes and a vast number of birthday wishes. But instead, as the day went on, the excitement wore off. Of course, I received birthday wishes from friends and loved ones; flowers and birthday gifts even waited for me in the front office. Despite all of this, however, there was still a looming sadness. 

I thought I was a freak. I had no reason to cry or to even be sad on my special day. But as Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit song “It’s My Party” makes clear, sometimes our so-called “happiest days” can be the most emotionally challenging.

While I might have shrugged off this feeling, some psychiatrists would diagnose me with the “birthday blues,” an unofficial prognosis characterized by general sadness or feeling down on one’s birthday.

“I cried on a few birthdays,” junior Charlotte Wilson said, “because I wasn’t getting enough attention and it wasn’t a special [enough] day.”

Lack of attention seems to be one of the most common reasons to be sad on your birthday.  A recent Prowl survey showed that 69% of respondents (about 100 students)  have cried on at least one of their past birthdays. 

“I require massive amounts of attention on regular days, so when it’s my birthday, I need insane amounts,” junior Brooklynn Bennett said. “If someone doesn’t give me that attention, I will snap.” 

Even fictional characters, such as Friends character Joey Tribbiani, have a problem with growing old. If you are unaware of who Joey is, I hold zero respect for you. However, I will suggest you take some time out of your miserable little life to watch the greatest show of all time. On season 7 Episode 14 of Friends, through hysterics, Joey screams on his 30th birthday, “Why, God, why? Let the others grow old, not me.” 

While Joey might be a fictional character, his feelings are real and extremely common. 

If you struggle with the “birthday blues,” surround yourself with people you love. Don’t focus on taking pictures or celebrations, but rather doing something that makes you feel good. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that feelings aren’t facts, nor are they forever. 

As for me, 17 really wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. But at the end of the day, my tear stained cheeks still enjoyed cake. I got to spend quality time with my family, and I even received some pretty cool presents.